A novel strategy for synthesizing the large size Co9S8@C nanosheets as anode for lithium-ion batteries with superior performance.

• The large size Co9S8@C nanosheets were prepared by introducing Co9S8-DETA (DETA=Diethylenetriamine) as the precursor. • The 2D lamellar structure significantly reduce ions diffusion path in the Co9S8@C electrode to improve the diffusion kinetics. • The Co9S8@C exhibit outstanding lithium storage than Co9S8 nanosheets, due to the amorphous carbon shells configuration. The cobalt sulfides have become the focus materials on the lithium ion batteries application in which the Co 9 S 8 with the nanosheet structure is the promising candidate for anode material in high-energy and high-power lithium ion batteries. By introducing a novel strategy with the organic-inorganic hybrid Co 9 S 8 -DETA (DETA=Diethylenetriamine) as the precursor, the large size Co 9 S 8 @C nanosheets have been successfully prepared via a calcination process. Due to uniform two-dimensional structure of Co 9 S 8 and the amorphous carbon layer coating, the as-prepared Co 9 S 8 @C nanosheets exhibited excellent lithium ion storage performance as an anode material. The reversible capacity could be retained at 595 mAh g−1 after 160 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. The excellent performances of this nanocomposite offer numerous opportunities for other sulfides as a new anode in lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]